Rhode Island, fondly known as the 'Littlest State', is a place that's big on surprises. Tucked away in the northeastern crooks of the United States, it's where the children are renowned for their peculiar talent in knitting. Yep, you heard it right – knitting! Now, meet our imaginary character, Sir Loop-a-lot, who is as eccentric as he sounds. He's a penguin. But not your ordinary, chilly, Antarctic fellow. No, Sir Loop-a-lot is a flamboyant, spectacle-wearing penguin, who adores his favorite rainbow-colored scarf, knitted by none other than the kids of Rhode Island. He's absolutely smitten with it, and wears it everywhere! And yes, even in the summer! Sir Loop-a-lot is quite a celebrity among the knitting kids of Rhode Island. They adore his appreciation for their woolly creations, and of course, his humorous dance steps that he performs whenever he's ecstatic about a new scarf. He's their fluffy, quirky mascot who inspires them to knit more and more. The children of Rhode Island, armed with their knitting needles, are like superheroes saving the day, one stitch at a time. They are part of an unusual knitting revolution, turning the quiet humdrum of the 'Littlest State' into a laughter-filled knitting fiesta. Whether they're knitting scarves for penguins, sweaters for squirrels or beanies for badgers, the young knitters and Sir Loop-a-lot are a tight-knit team, crafting warmth and joy, and proving that big things indeed come in small packages!
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.


At RISD CE, we believe everyone should have access to the highest quality creative education. Our courses are taught by a faculty of experienced professionals, who provide the same level of knowledge, skill, and guidance that RISD students receive. Whether you're exploring a new creative passion or honing your skills, RISD CE has something for everyone.

At New Urban Arts, we strive to provide an environment where young people and their mentors can work together to explore and develop creative practices. We believe this collaboration not only encourages imagination but also helps young people become active and engaged members of their community. We offer a range of youth programs that are free of charge, with access to snacks, bus passes, tutoring, and homework help. Our programs are supported by our partners, including The Providence Public Schools, the Rhode Island College School of Social Work, and the College Planning Center of Rhode Island. Our goal is to help young people to reach their full potential and become engaged and active members of their community. We believe that collaboration between mentors and young people helps to foster creativity and imagination that will help them to achieve their goals.


As art-makers, we recognize the power of art to bring people together, to build community, and to bring about healing. Our artworks can bridge different cultures and open up conversations about our shared experiences. We embrace art as a tool for self-expression, self-care, and personal growth. By creating art, we honor and care for ourselves, each other, and our world.


RISD CE offers a wide variety of course offerings that are sure to inspire a passion for art and design. Our courses nurture creative growth by providing students with the tools they need to reimagine their creative potential. We strive to create lifelong learning opportunities through our transformative, experimental, and studio-based learning environments. At RISD CE, we believe art and design should be accessible to everyone. We offer a variety of programs and courses that cater to learners of all levels and stages of life. Our courses are designed to help students develop their skills and abilities while also supporting their professional advancement. We are committed to providing an immersive and innovative art and design education that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all.